Name: Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce; 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins; 1 cup buttermilk; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup cornstarch; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs; Canola oil (for frying); Chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Introduction

Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, flavorful dish coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that perfectly balances sweet and heat. This easy recipe brings together tender fried chicken tenders with a zesty homemade sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

A close-up of crispy fried cauliflower pieces piled high on a white plate, each piece coated with a thick, creamy orange sauce that glistens under the light. The cauliflower has a crunchy golden-brown texture with slightly rough edges, and the sauce drips unevenly over the top layers. Small bright green chopped herbs are sprinkled generously over the cauliflower, adding a fresh color contrast. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, with a soft black and white cloth partially visible underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
1 cup buttermilk
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
1 large egg
1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs
Canola oil (for frying)
Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Whisk until smooth, then cover and set aside to make the Bang Bang Sauce.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using, until smooth.
Step 3: Add the chicken tenderloins to the marinade, coating them evenly. Let them marinate for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Spread panko breadcrumbs on a plate. Remove each chicken tender from the marinade and press gently to coat all sides with breadcrumbs. Place coated tenders on a clean plate.
Step 5: Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to 365°F (185°C). Fry chicken tenders in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Then toss the chicken tenders in the prepared Bang Bang Sauce until evenly coated.
Step 7: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, double coat the chicken by dipping in marinade again before pressing in panko breadcrumbs a second time.
Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature for perfectly crispy chicken without greasiness.
Swap buttermilk with plain yogurt mixed with a splash of milk if buttermilk is unavailable.
Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the sauce to control the heat level to your preference.

Storage

Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

A white bowl is full of golden-brown fried chicken pieces stacked in layers, each piece covered with a smooth, light orange creamy sauce. Small bright green parsley leaves are sprinkled on top and scattered around the chicken, adding fresh color contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a soft dark cloth partially visible underneath. The chicken looks crunchy and juicy with the sauce dripping down the sides, creating a rich and delicious appearance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, for a healthier option, you can bake the breaded chicken tenders at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and cooked through.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?

To make a vegetarian version, try using breaded tofu or cauliflower florets fried and tossed in the Bang Bang sauce for a similar spicy, crispy dish.